How to Remove Rust With Household Items

Rust can build up on almost anything, from silverware to bathroom fixtures to carpet.  Harsh chemicals are not environmentally friendly and can be expensive.  There are many household remedies that can remove rust without the use of chemicals.  Many of these items are already stocked in most households.

• Pour a little salt into a small bowl.  Add in some lemon juice and mix until it forms a paste.  This will clean light rust on ceramic, chrome and stainless steel.


• Dip a clean cloth in undiluted cola and wipe the rust stain.  Cola is acidic enough that it will remove light rust.  The rusty object can also be soaked in a tub of cola overnight to remove tougher stains without scrubbing.


• Combine 1 teaspoon of cream of tartar with ¼ cup of baking soda in a small bowl.  Mix in just enough hydrogen peroxide to form a paste.  Rub on the affected area and leave to dry for 30 minutes.  Wipe away with a damp cloth.


• Apply undiluted lemon juice directly to acrylic fabrics and rub.  Laundry detergent can also be rubbed directly onto the spot.  Rinse and repeat until stain is gone, then launder as normal.


• Use a wet pumice stone to scrub rust stains on ceramic tile and porcelain.  Add a little borax and lemon juice directly to the area and rub with the pumice stone.  Allow to dry, and then wipe off.  Do not use pumice stones on ceramic countertops, as it will scratch.


• Clean rust off of stainless steel by rubbing the stain with a wet emery board.  Rub the spot with the cut side of an onion or potato.  Alternate until the spot is gone.


• Apply undiluted white vinegar to rust on just about any surface or material.  Vinegar is mild enough not to harm surfaces, but acidic enough to get rid of rust.  You can also soak small objects, such as tools, in a tub or bowl of vinegar overnight.


• Stick with mildly abrasive cleaning tools to scrub rust spots.  Steel wool, 80 or 100 (fine) grit sandpaper or old toothbrushes make great scrubbers that will not harm most surfaces.  A piece of aluminum foil is effective at loosening rust without scratching.